Do you have a new puppy, or are you thinking of adopting one soon? Are you worried about making sure your dog gets all the shots he needs to stay healthy and happy? Do you need to know the right time frame for your puppy’s important shots during the first year or two of his life?
In this article, we’ll explain the basics you need to know about puppy shots. With this information, you’ll know more about the right timing for your new dog’s shots, and you can speak to your veterinarian about scheduling these appointments when needed.
First Two Months of Puppy Shots
Distemper
Distemper is a very serious illness that can often be fatal to dogs of all ages. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, seizures, and paralysis. This deadly illness has no cure, and it is extremely contagious to other dogs. For all these reasons, this vaccine is strongly encouraged for all dogs as early as six weeks of age.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is dangerous to puppies who are too young to be vaccinated for it. It causes vomiting, a high fever, and extreme diarrhea, which in turn causes dehydration. Dogs can survive it with proper emergency vet care, but prevention is best. This puppy shot can be given at six weeks of age.
Hepatitis
This disease affects the dog’s lungs, kidneys, eyes, and spleen. Some dogs may be able to fight it off, but young puppies and older dogs may die from it. Vaccinations for canine hepatitis (which is not the same as human hepatitis) may be given as early as two months of age.
Parainfluenza
This is a type of flu that affects dogs. It can contribute to kennel cough, and it can make dogs very sick with a respiratory illness. This puppy shot is recommended at around two months of age, give or take a couple of weeks.
Bordetella
This is the most common bacterium that causes kennel cough. It can lead to vomiting, coughing, wheezing, and even death in some dogs and puppies. Additionally, dogs will not be allowed to be boarded at kennels or vet offices without this shot, as Bordetella is extremely contagious to other dogs. This vaccination can be given at two months.
Leptospirosis
This is a type of bacteria that can be found in soil. It is easy for this bacterium to spread from dog to dog, but it can also be spread to humans and especially to children who are prone to playing in dirt. It causes fever, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, jaundice, and muscle pain. Without treatment, it can cause kidney failure. Dogs can be vaccinated for this disease at two months.
Two to Six Months of Puppy Shots
Lyme Disease
This is a tick-borne illness which can cause severe organ damage and failure as well as neurological problems. Dogs can be vaccinated for Lyme disease in Lyme-prone areas as early as four months.
Additional Recommendations
Every six months our vets recommend blood (heartworm, ehrlichia, Lyme, anaplasma) and fecal parasite screening to ensure your pet continues to stay healthy.
Yearly Puppy Shots in Miami, FL
DHPP Booster
This booster includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, and it’s usually given as a single shot that includes vaccinations for all four in one. It is given yearly in most cases.
Rabies
Rabies is the most important vaccination for your dog. In some places, it may be required or very strongly encouraged by law, and some apartments and rental homes may not allow you to rent if your dog does not have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. This must be repeated yearly, although Country Club Animal Hospital has a three-year vaccine available too.
Additional Recommendations
The veterinarians at Country Club Animal Hospital recommend annual shots for Leptospirosis and Bordetella. Annual CIV (canine influenza virus) and Lyme shots could be recommended after discussing your pet’s lifestyle with your vet.
Keeping Up with Your Puppy’s Shots in Miami, FL
Now that you’ve taken the time to learn a little bit more about the shots your puppy will need, you can feel more confident in knowing you’re providing your furry friend with the best health care and prevention he requires. Keeping up with your puppy’s shots is one of the best ways to make sure he will remain a part of your family for a long time to come.
Call (305) 663-3300 or book an appointment online to talk with your vet at Country Club Animal Hospital! We can help with any questions or concerns about your puppy’s vaccination schedule.